Cheerfulness Breaks In by Angela Thirkell was first published in 1940.

The Birketts are overjoyed to be getting rid of their daughter Rose as she’s getting married to Fairweather who is in the navy and is immediately sent abroad with Rose. Rose had tried the patience of everyone she came into contact with, she got engaged at the drop of a hat, and un-engaged just as fast – and caused mayhem amongst males in general but particularly with the teachers at the school her father headed. Fairweather though has her measure it seems and is able to curb the worst aspects of her behaviour. But the Birketts feel somewhat sorry for Fairweather having their daughter as his wife, especially as he’s an ‘Old Boy’ a former boarder at the school.

Soon World War 2 begins so it’s a time of upheaval for the inhabitants of Barsetshire with child evacuees being boarded out with local families, it’s a culture shock for all concerned. An entire school and its masters is transferred from London, they include socialists and even a conscientious objector!

For the very middle-class people of Barsetshire it’s all a bit much, but they have lots to be getting on with including having to deal with disdainful refugees who are not in the least bit grateful for the safe harbour they have found after having to flee the Nazis.

I really loved being in Barsetshire again, there’s a lot of silliness, humour and snobbery, but it’s all such fun! I read this one for 20 Books of Summer 2022.